Welcome:
The Career Start Program would like to welcome you to our website! Career Start is a federally funded program and it is our mission to prepare young adults to jump start their careers.

Mission Statement

Our vision is to assist young adults to attain their career, educational and personal life goals through instruction, encouragement, and mentoring. The ultimate purpose of the program is for each individual to achieve economic self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.

What is Career Start?

Career Start is a program designed to identify and assist young adults between the ages of 17 to 21 who have either graduated from high school or obtained their GED but are unprepared for or uncertain of their future career path. The program is funded by the Upstate Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the Upstate Youth Council. The program consists of three primary phases:

1. Pre Employment Skills Phase (PET)- which includes assessment of workplace capabilities such as reading comprehension and math, learning such things as how to dress and act in a professional workplace, resume creation, job search methods, exposure to community or regional programs and services related to careers and finding employment, as well as educational guidance and professional interviewing skills.
2. Tutoring Phase- based on assessments given during (PET), students who need to improve basic math and reading comprehension skills are provided assistance in either individualized or small group settings.
3. Work Experience Phase- During this phase participants are matched with local or regional employers to allow them to gain real world workplace experience. These opportunities can be both paid or unpaid and can lead to full or part time paid career type employment.

How long does the program take to complete?

(PET) pre employment skills takes an average of ten four hour days.  ( PET) is designed to flex around college and work schedules and is adjusted accordingly so that every effort is made to allow a participant to enroll and attend. (Tutoring Phase) assessments given in (PET) may not be needed for all participants. The length and duration of tutoring will depend upon the degree of assistance needed by the student. (Work Experience Phase) usually runs about 80 hours.

What if I am already working?

One of Career Start's goals is to assist young adults in improving their job and educational skills with the ultimate goal of becoming economically self sufficient and an asset to society overall. Many young people have jobs but are trying to determine their career path. Career Start staff works with individual participants to help them identify and begin to achieve their life long career goals through education, guidance, networking, related work experience opportunities and encouragement.

Are there eligibility requirements?

Yes, Family or individual income are factors in determining eligibility and Career Start Program staff can quickly assess eligibility determination through a short face to face interview. Interested participants are encouraged to contact Career Start rather than automatically assume they are not eligible.